Mid-August, a party that we often associate with summer holidays, crowded beaches and open-air lunches.
But there is much more behind this holiday and its charm lies in its deep historical and cultural roots.
Embark with us on a journey through time to discover a party that has much more to offer.
What is celebrated on August XNUMXth?
Ferragosto is a holiday that falls on August 15th and marks, for many, the height of summer.
It's a day of rest, celebration and conviviality, often spent with friends and family in a festive atmosphere.
The origins of the Ferragosto holiday
Ferragosto comes from the Latin Feriae Augusti, which means "the holidays of Augustus". Introduced by the Roman emperor in 18 BC, these festivities celebrated the arrival of August, a period of rest after the intense work in the fields.
Augustus, the first Roman emperor, understood the importance of a break for workers. The celebrations began on the first day of the month, with parties and horse racing. The animals were decorated with flowers and wreaths, and the peasants wished the landowners good wishes, receiving a small tip.
The culmination was the 13 August, Dedicated to Goddess Diana.
This connection with agriculture was not new: the Emperor had taken over i Consualia, holidays that celebrated the end of agricultural work. Conso, for the Romans, was the god of the earth and fertility.
What is the meaning of Ferragosto in the Christian tradition?
Ferragosto is not only a day of celebration and rest, but is deeply connected to a spiritual event that touches the roots of the Christian faith. let's talk aboutAssumption of Mary, an episode that has a different meaning in the various branches of Christianity.
For the Catholic Church, Mary not only ascended to heaven with her soul; she did something extraordinary: she was assumed bodily into heaven, anticipating what will happen to all of us at the end of time, at the moment of the resurrection of the flesh.
But not everyone sees the event the same way. The Orthodox and the Armenians, for example, speak of Dormition of Mary. They don't believe she is dead; rather they think she has fallen into a deep sleep. Protestants, for their part, do not have this feast because they find no trace of the Assumption in the Gospel.
Here's where it gets interesting: the dogma of the Assumption of Mary is not ancient as you might think. It was only proclaimed in November of the 1950 by Pope Pius XII.
This interweaving of beliefs and interpretations makes Ferragosto a day not only of fun and entertainment but also of reflection on faith, history, and the connection that binds the present to the most ancient traditions. It can be seen as a bridge between the earthly and spiritual worlds, and as a reminder of the unity and diversity of Christian traditions.
Where does the word Ferragosto come from?
The term "Ferragosto" is directly linked to the Roman origins of the festival, representing an indissoluble bond with the history and culture of ancient Italy.
How the holiday has changed over time
From the ancient celebration that extended over several days, Ferragosto has evolved into a one day party, August 15th. This transformation has reduced the festivities, but concentrated the joy and energy into a single day of celebration, made even more special by “Popular Ferragosto trains”.
Because we wish each other on August XNUMXth
Ferragosto greetings are much more than a simple phrase: they are a link with a past full of meaning and a way to share the joy of the celebration.
As well as many other Catholic holidays, such as Christmas or Easter, also Ferragosto as a Christian holiday usually it requires greetings to be exchanged, as sign of peace and affection.
In which countries is Ferragosto celebrated?
- Italy
- France
- Spain
- Romania
- Portugal
- Greece
- Malta
- Luxembourg
- Croatia
- Belgium
- Austria
- Lithuania
- Slovenia
